Sunday June 28, 2026
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali police on Sunday arrested ten people accused of spreading content on social media that authorities described as harmful to Somali culture and public morality.
Somali Police Force spokesman Abdifitah Adan said the suspects were arrested during investigations conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department CID, with support from members of the public.
He said police were targeting people accused of sharing images and videos on platforms such as Facebook, TikTok and YouTube that violate Somali social values.
Adan said some suspects were injured while trying to flee during police operations. He did not provide further details about the injuries.
The spokesman said the operation was not limited to the people publicly presented by police, adding that other suspects had also been arrested and would be brought forward later.
Adan warned social media users that anyone who posts or promotes content police consider harmful to Somali culture would face legal action.
“If a person does not protect the culture of Somali society, he will face legal action and will be brought before a court,” he said.
The police spokesman also said the CID had formed a special cybercrime unit to investigate crimes committed through electronic devices and track activity on social media platforms.
He also warned hotel owners and managers of event venues, saying any business that hosts or broadcasts immoral behavior could face legal action and possible revocation of its work permit.
Adan said security forces would continue operations against people accused of spreading content that violates Somali social values.
He said the arrested suspects would be brought before a court.
